Experienced technology leader and manager with nearly 20 years of experience in managing people, projects, products, technical processes, and operations. His career spans both large corporations and fast-growing startups, where he has built and led high-performing teams, driven strategic initiatives, and delivered customer-centric products.

He has worked with industry leaders such as Nokia, HERE Technologies, Home24.de, ERGO Digital IT, Rankomat (Bauer Media Group), and PayPo, gaining deep expertise in finance, insurance, mobile technologies, and navigation systems. His extensive background in the ICT and fintech sectors allows him to navigate complex technological environments and drive business growth through innovation and operational excellence.

A passionate advocate of agile management, Krzysztof places people at the center of every transformation. For him, teams are the most valuable resource, and his leadership philosophy combines clear communication, collaboration, and customer-focused product development. He believes that successful management is about building strong relationships, fostering a growth-oriented culture, and unlocking the potential of every individual.

With a career rooted in technology, business, and customer experience, Krzysztof brings a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered leadership to every project. Through Manager’s Haven, he shares his knowledge, insights, and practical tools to help managers in ICT, fintech, and beyond lead with clarity, empathy, and impact.

Piotr Szymczak brings over 15 years of executive experience in the fintech, e-commerce, and digital services sectors. In 2022, he was named E-commerce Marketing Director of the Year, followed by the title of Financial Services Marketing Director of the Year in 2024—recognitions that confirm his effectiveness in driving business growth through innovative, data-driven marketing strategies.

He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at PayPo, the leading deferred payments provider in Poland. He is responsible for R&D, marketing, customer service, and product integration. Previously, he held key leadership positions at top digital companies in Poland—including Head of Sales and E-commerce at one of the country’s largest social platforms, as well as a senior role at a leading provider of e-commerce logistics automation.

Known for combining sharp analytical thinking with bold strategic vision, Piotr is a results-oriented leader who inspires teams to pursue brave and unconventional growth paths. He studied at Poland’s top universities, including Warsaw University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, and SGH, specializing in computer science, econometrics, artificial intelligence, and Business Intelligence.

Privately, he is passionate about motorsports—bringing the same blend of cutting-edge technology and peak performance from the racetrack into the boardroom.

Piotrek Birski has over 20 years of professional experience starting from customer insights expert, through market intelligence, pricing and product management in e-commerce, fintech and marketplace ecosystems.

He has worked with top industry leaders such as DHL, Allegro – where Piotrek managed Allegro Smart! – Rankomat.pl and PayPo. He combines a strong analytical mindset with a focus on customer-centric design and measurable outcomes.

He deeply believes that best products emerge from:

• deep cross-functional collaboration based on mutual respect,
• curiosity and a relentless drive to understand customer needs,
• five percent of inspiration and ninety five percent of perspiration.

Effectively functioning teams generate product growth at an exponential rate.

Piotrek holds an Executive MBA and a PhD in Sociology. He has earned certifications from Kellogg Northwestern University and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Outside of work, Piotr enjoys long-distance gravel cycling, strength sports and plays the guitar.